Exploring DNA Diversity in Leathers: An Approach on Identification of Origin

Abstract

DNA based approaches have become widespread in recent times to identify the origin of samples when its phenotypic characteristics are not distinguishable. This, in particular, applies to the leather industry wherein with an increase in duplicated embossing of grain patterns; there is a need to detect the animal origin of  commercial leather articles. Thus, the characterization of molecular markers that enables rapid detection of the leather source helps us in precise species identification. The present study aims to generate definite sequences between the four major species in the Bovidae family (Buffalo, Cow, Goat, and Sheep), which are the major players in the manufacture of leather products, especially in India. Based on specific mitochondrial sequences, a specific fragment of the mitochondrial 12SrRNA gene was amplified by PCR as a marker for species-level identification. By the maximum homogeneity, from the NCBI and BOLD database, the BLAST analysis of the sequences of amplicons from unknown sources, distinguish closely related species of the subfamilies Bovinae (buffalo and Cow) and Caprinae (sheep and goat) and this 12SrRNA based PCR-BLAST analysis is a good tool to identify the origin and control the quality of leathers that are being manufactured. The present study has optimized an approach for the extraction and amplification of DNA from the finished leather, which is one of the most significant challenges because of the vigorous processes encountered during their manufacture. The findings of the study have commercial value at large scale.